Vaught Is Always There

Forward Loy Vaught has been the Clippers’ iron man this season.

“I’m built to last,” Vaught said.

Vaught is the only Clipper who has started all 66 games this season. Swingman Charles Outlaw and guard Darrick Martin are the only other Clippers who have played in every game this season.

“He’s been fortunate,” Coach Bill Fitch said of Vaught. “Malik Sealy would have played every game if he’d stayed healthy. It just tells you that he’s been healthy enough to answer the bell every night and a couple of his teammates haven’t.”

Vaught has been the most consistent Clipper, averaging 14.8 points and 10.4 rebounds in his first 65 games. He had 16 points and eight rebounds in Saturday night’s 13-point loss at Utah.

“You can count on him every game,” Fitch said. “He’s going to get rebounds and score effectively just about every night. He’s a constant, and you have to have constants on your team.”

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Forward Eric Piatkowski didn’t make the trip because he has an inner-ear infection and was advised not to fly. Piatkowski is day to day.